Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a delightful mix of flavor and convenience that can transform your dinner table. Juicy, tender meat enveloped in crispy, golden skin and infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe is a true testament to the magic of the Instant Pot. Not only is it a great comfort food, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your loved ones craving more.

Ingredients

To create a mouthwatering Instant Pot Whole Chicken, gather the following ingredients that promise a symphony of flavors:

• 4 lb whole chicken – This will be the star of the dish, ensuring that each bite is juicy and filling.
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth – Provides a flavorful base for steaming the chicken.
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and lightly smashed) – Adds depth with its rich, aromatic essence.
• 2 tsp fine sea salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Offers a subtle warmth that rounds out the taste.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Contributes a mellow sweetness that’s comforting.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Intensifies the garlic notes for that extra punch.
• 1/2 tsp paprika – Gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness.
• 1 sprig of rosemary (leaves stripped and minced) – Releases a fragrant, woodsy aroma.
• 1 sprig of thyme (leaves stripped and minced) – Complements the chicken’s flavors with its earthy notes.
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – Ensures a rich, buttery taste, enhancing the moistness of the chicken.
• 1/2 lemon – Use both the juice and the half for stuffing, imparting a refreshing zing.
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter – To create a luxurious gravy.
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour – For thickening the gravy to perfection.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets bag from inside the chicken. Carefully pat the chicken dry inside and out using paper towels. Place the chicken breast-side-up on a clean surface. Starting from the drumstick side, gently loosen the skin over the breast with the back of a spoon. Set it aside for later.

2. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the fine sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, minced rosemary, minced thyme, and 1 Tbsp of lemon juice along with one stick of melted butter. Stir until well combined and set aside.

3. Prepare the Instant Pot: Place a rack in the inner pot of your Instant Pot, then add 1 cup of chicken broth. Position the chicken breast-side-up on the rack. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the crushed garlic cloves and the half lemon.

4. Apply the Butter Mixture: Pour half of the butter seasoning mixture under the skin, using your fingers to massage it around for even distribution. Spread the remaining butter mixture generously over the top of the chicken.

5. Pressure Cook the Chicken: Close the lid of the instant pot, ensuring it’s sealed correctly. Set to pressure cook for 24 minutes. Once completed, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before venting.

6. Broil for Crispy Skin: Carefully remove the chicken using the trivet and allow any excess juice to drip back into the pot (this liquid is valuable for gravy). Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet and season with extra salt, pepper, and paprika if desired. Broil at 500°F for about 5 minutes or until the skin is beautifully browned and crispy. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Make the Gravy: Pour all of the liquid from the pot into a bowl or measuring cup and skim off the excess fat on top. You should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function, melt in 3 Tbsp of butter, and whisk in 3 Tbsp of flour for about 1 minute until it’s golden. Gradually add the drippings, whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For Extra Flavor: Consider marinating your chicken overnight in the butter and seasoning mixture. This will enhance the flavor even more.
• Keep the Skin Crunchy: If you have a preference for crispier skin, increase the broil time slightly, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
• Safety First: When handling raw chicken, ensure all surfaces and hands are cleaned thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Instant Pot Whole Chicken can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and weeknight meals alike. Use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps for a delicious lunch option.

Nutritional Information

A standard serving of Instant Pot Whole Chicken (based on a 4 oz portion) contains approximately 320 calories, with 22g of protein, 21g of fat, and 0g of carbohydrates. Always remember that nutritional values can vary slightly based on exact ingredient measurements and variations in preparation techniques.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, freeze shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Variations such as using different herbs (like oregano or basil) or adding spices like cayenne for heat can create new flavor profiles for your chicken.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Whole Chicken is a fantastic recipe that combines ease and flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook. Every bite offers tenderness and juiciness that’s hard to beat. Give it a go and enjoy the process of creating a comforting meal. After you’ve made it, don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you added!

FAQs

1. Can I use a frozen whole chicken in the Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can cook a frozen whole chicken, but it will require additional cooking time (about 30-40 minutes).

2. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
   You can make this recipe in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but you will miss the tender, juicy texture achieved through pressure cooking.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Absolutely! It is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy simple, healthy meals throughout the week.

4. What can I do with the leftover chicken carcass?
   You can use it to make homemade chicken stock. Simply add it to a pot with vegetables, herbs, and water, and simmer for a few hours.

5. How can I adjust seasoning for children?
   For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic and herbs and omit the black pepper until you’re sure they’re comfortable with the tastes.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

A juicy and tender whole chicken cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, infused with aromatic herbs and spices for a delightful family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 39 minutes mins

Total Time 54 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 lb whole chicken This will be the star of the dish, ensuring that each bite is juicy and filling.
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth Provides a flavorful base for steaming the chicken.
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter Ensures a rich, buttery taste, enhancing the moistness of the chicken.
• 1/2 lemon lemon Use both the juice and the half for stuffing, imparting a refreshing zing.

Seasonings

• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and lightly smashed) Adds depth with its rich, aromatic essence.
• 2 tsp fine sea salt Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper Offers a subtle warmth that rounds out the taste.
• 1 tsp onion powder Contributes a mellow sweetness that’s comforting.
• 1 tsp garlic powder Intensifies the garlic notes for that extra punch.
• 1/2 tsp paprika Gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness.
• 1 sprig rosemary (leaves stripped and minced) Releases a fragrant, woodsy aroma.
• 1 sprig thyme (leaves stripped and minced) Complements the chicken’s flavors with its earthy notes.
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter To create a luxurious gravy.
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour For thickening the gravy to perfection.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Remove the giblets bag from inside the chicken. Carefully pat the chicken dry inside and out using paper towels.
2. Place the chicken breast-side-up on a clean surface. Starting from the drumstick side, gently loosen the skin over the breast with the back of a spoon. Set it aside for later.

Mixing Seasonings

1. In a small bowl, combine the fine sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, minced rosemary, minced thyme, and 1 Tbsp of lemon juice along with one stick of melted butter. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Preparing the Instant Pot

1. Place a rack in the inner pot of your Instant Pot, then add 1 cup of chicken broth.
2. Position the chicken breast-side-up on the rack. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the crushed garlic cloves and the half lemon.

Applying Butter Mixture

1. Pour half of the butter seasoning mixture under the skin, using your fingers to massage it around for even distribution. Spread the remaining butter mixture generously over the top of the chicken.

Pressure Cooking

1. Close the lid of the instant pot, ensuring it’s sealed correctly. Set to pressure cook for 24 minutes.
2. Once completed, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before venting.

Broiling for Crispy Skin

1. Carefully remove the chicken using the trivet and allow any excess juice to drip back into the pot (this liquid is valuable for gravy).
2. Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet and season with extra salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
3. Broil at 500°F for about 5 minutes or until the skin is beautifully browned and crispy. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Making the Gravy

1. Pour all of the liquid from the pot into a bowl or measuring cup and skim off the excess fat on top. You should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining.
2. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function, melt in 3 Tbsp of butter, and whisk in 3 Tbsp of flour for about 1 minute until it’s golden.
3. Gradually add the drippings, whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat.

Notes

For Extra Flavor: Consider marinating your chicken overnight in the butter and seasoning mixture. Keep the Skin Crunchy: If you prefer crispier skin, increase the broil time slightly. Safety First: When handling raw chicken, ensure all surfaces and hands are cleaned thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.